Step Off

I received a sneering and repetitive e-mail from some kid chastising me for my last post.

The thrust of his argument was I'm foisting Western sensibilities (and superiority) upon people and that Asians will never feel offense to Nazi atrocities the way we do in the Western world. He arrogantly accused all Westerners of being ignorant of the horrors enacted upon Asia by the Japanese during WWII. He complained Westerners only focus on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and that narrow vision tarnishes the memory of those that died at Japanese hands. He told me to get off my high horse, that the world shouldn't have to bend to Western sensibilities, and that I could leave Hong Kong if I didn't like it.

I love picking apart arguments like his:

· Just because many Asians don’t feel offense regarding the Nazi regime in the same way as Westerners, that doesn't mean they can't be made aware that it offends. In being made aware, they can realise the error and correct it. It's not a matter of feeling, it's a matter of recognition. If Hong Kong ever wants to become a true world-class city it needs to look beyond itself and not just on making money. It is the ignorance of the darkest depths of human nature that leads us toward repeating barbarity and wanton cruelty. Can you say Bosnia?

· The excuse of ignorance might be acceptable in one person, but Izzue is a company that spent much time and money to create this campaign. During the research process, didn't someone notice Nazi regalia is synonymous with the butchering of millions? I fail to see how this idea could "slip through". When I worked in advertising, campaigns were scrutinised to ensure nothing would backfire in our faces. Someone at Izzue was asleep at the wheel.

· Like many Westerners, I'm aware of Japan's wartime history, including its pre-war slaughters in mainland China. Japan's continuing refusal to own up to what it did is abhorrent. Greater numbers of Westerners are knowledgeable about WWII than people in Hong Kong, mainland China or anywhere else in Asia, because of the volume of available information. Of course some Westerners are ignorant of history, but that's correctable.

· People feeling offended is hardly imposing sensibilities upon others. No one is saying the Chinese have to change who they are and how they live. This has nothing to do with being Chinese and everything to do with being a human being that cares about other human beings. Looking at the response of my friends here in Hong Kong, both Western and Chinese, most agree this campaign was wrong. Westerners shouldn't ever feel their ways are superior to others, as thinking like that caused the Holocaust. In case you haven't realised it, I'm a fan of the Chinese and of Hong Kong.

· I've pointed out many times I dislike Westerners that come to Hong Kong and bitch and complain, or treat the Chinese as second-class citizens. Like many other foreigners here, I'm changing to fit into the culture, not trying to change the culture to fit me. I don't need some punk telling me to leave (especially one that, by his own admission, grew up in Canada). This is my home. Because it's my home of choice, I have every right to voice my opinion about matters that affect me.

If you don't like it, you can leave.

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